October 10, 2002 - The Greens (WA) Member for Mining and Pastoral Region, Robin Chapple MLC has challenged the Federal Member for Kalgoorlie, Barry Haase’s claim that a nuclear waste dump in the Goldfields of WA would pose no risk to local tourism.
“Mr. Haase’s assertion that there would be no impact on tourism in the Shire of Laverton is absolute nonsense,' said Mr. Chapple.
“Any time you establish a nuclear facility there’s a significant impact on tourism to the surrounding communities. People like to travel to remote parts of Australia because of the untouched, pristine quality of these areas,' said Mr. Chapple.
“The Laverton community will be damaging any chance they have of increasing tourism to the area if they accept the proposal to store radio isotopes within the shire’s perimeters.'
Mr. Chapple said ‘fly-in, fly-out’ workers was the crucial issue that needed to be addressed when considering how to maintain a healthy local economy and increasing tourism in the area.
